Z Visa (Work)
🇨🇳 China visas · Work
What it is
Standard work visa for foreign nationals employed in China. Requires a Chinese employer sponsor, work permit from SAFEA/MOHRSS, and is converted to a Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival. Three-tier classification: A (high-end), B (professional), C (unskilled). Official applicant scope: persons working in China.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- Residence Permit: 1 to 5 years (renewable; typically 1 year for first issuance)
- Processing time
- 4–5 days
- Maximum validity
- 5 years
- Extendable
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- Indirect route
- Dependants
- Yes
- How to apply
- Mixed
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (驻美使领馆对等费率，一次入境；非全国统一标准)
- USD 140
- Application fee (驻美使领馆费率，一次入境；部分第三国公民标准不同)
- USD 23
- Application fee (驻美使领馆加急件每件加收；非全国统一标准)
- USD 25
- Application fee (外国人居留许可及增加偕行人（不满一年），元／人．次)
- CNY 400
- Application fee (外国人居留许可及增加偕行人［一年（含）至三年］)
- CNY 800
- Application fee (外国人居留许可及增加偕行人［三年（含）至五年（含）］)
- CNY 1,000
Key requirements
- Employment contract or letter from a Chinese employer
- Employer obtains Work Permit Notification from MOHRSS (local bureau)
- Criminal background check (apostilled/notarised)
- Medical examination report
- Degree certificates (authenticated/apostilled)
- 2+ years relevant work experience (Tier B)
- Z visa issued at Chinese embassy/consulate; converted to Residence Permit within 30 days of entry
Working on this visa
Work is permitted only within the scope of a work permit held together with a work-type residence permit; working outside that permitted scope is statutorily defined as illegal employment.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 4 August 2026.